Show ContentsBrodarach History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Many variations of the name Brodarach have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as Ó Bruadair, which is derived from Bruadar, a common Norse forename. It is unclear as to whether or not the family is of Norse origin. But it should be noted that many people named Bruader are recorded as having lived in Ireland prior to the onset of the Danish invasions, including an Irish prince of the Heremon line, from whom the family claims descent. 1

Early Origins of the Brodarach family

The surname Brodarach was first found in Carlow (Irish: Cheatharlach) a small landlocked area located in the province of Leinster in the South East of Ireland, where they were descended from the Ryans, Lords of Idrone, more specifically from Bruader or Bruadaran an Irish Prince of the Heremon line. His name was derived from the Irish "bruadair" which means "a dream." 1

Early History of the Brodarach family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Brodarach research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1627, 1641, 1653, 1654, 1656, 1660, 1670, 1692, 1693, 1695, 1699, 1703, 1711, 1713, 1728 and 1730 are included under the topic Early Brodarach History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Brodarach Spelling Variations

The Middle Ages saw a great number of spelling variations for surnames common to the Irish landscape. One reason for these variations is the fact that surnames were not rigidly fixed by this period. The following variations for the name Brodarach were encountered in the archives: Broderick, Brodrick, Brodrig, Brouderick and many more.

Early Notables of the Brodarach family

Notable amongst the family name at this time was Sir Thomas Brodrick, of Wandsworth; and his son, Sir St. John Brodrick, of Midleton (1627-1711), an Irish Member of Parliament for County Cork (1692-1693) and (1695-1699); and his son, Thomas...
Another 38 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Brodarach Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Brodarach family to Ireland

Some of the Brodarach family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 167 words (12 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Brodarach family

In the 19th century, thousands of Irish left their English-occupied homeland for North America. Like most new world settlers, the Irish initially settled on the eastern shores of the continent but began to move westward with the promise of owning land. The height of this Irish migration came during the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. With apparently nothing to lose, Irish people left on ships bound for North America and Australia. Unfortunately a great many of these passengers lost their lives - the only thing many had left - to disease, starvation, and accidents during the long and dangerous journey. Those who did safely arrive in "the land of opportunities" were often used for the hard labor of building railroads, coal mines, bridges, and canals. The Irish were critical to the quick development of the infrastructure of the United States and Canada. Passenger and immigration lists indicate that members of the Brodarach family came to North America quite early: John Brodrick who settled in Philadelphia in 1766; followed by Patrick, Joseph, and John between 1840 and 1860. Edward, Henry, John, Joseph, Patrick Broderick all arrived in Philadelphia between 1840 and 1860..



The Brodarach Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: A cuspide corona
Motto Translation: By spear a crown.


  1. O'Hart, John, Irish Pedigrees 5th Edition in 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1976. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0737-4)


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